OYAM, Uganda – Police in Oyam District have arrested two suspects, including the father of the victim, following a shocking turn of events in a murder by assault case that began as a reported mob attack.
The incident occurred on April 6, 2026, at approximately 3:30 PM in Adak “B” Village, Ocini Parish, Kamdini Sub-county. The deceased has been identified as Ayen Edmond, 18, a resident of the same village.
Initially, Ayen Benard, 42, a peasant and the victim’s father, reported the matter at Oyam Police Station at around 7:26 PM the same day. He alleged that his son had been attacked and killed by unknown assailants within the village, claiming he found the mob in the act but could not identify any of them.
However, a preliminary investigation by the Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) and the Homicide team from Oyam Central Police Station has contradicted the father’s narrative. According to eyewitness statements gathered from within the community, the deceased was allegedly assaulted by a group that included his own father.
Police have established that the group—identified as Ayen Benard, Awal Dennis, Owing Janan, Okica, and Auma Betty—accused the 18-year-old of being a habitual thief before subjecting him to mob justice. The severe beating resulted in the victim’s death at the scene.
Following these findings, police arrested Ayen Benard and Awal Dennis. They are currently in custody assisting with ongoing investigations. A manhunt has been launched for the remaining three suspects: Owing Janan, Okica, and Auma Betty, who remain at large.
The victim’s body has been conveyed to Anyeke Health Centre IV Mortuary, where a postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
“Further inquiries are ongoing, including the recording of additional witness statements and the pursuit of the remaining suspects,” said SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, Police Spokesperson for the North Kyoga Region. “Updates on the progress of the investigation will be communicated in due course.”
Police have urged communities in Oyam District to refrain from mob justice and report suspected criminals to law enforcement rather than taking the law into their own hands.
